Square Enix Gamescom line-up includes first Marvel’s Avengers hands-on demo

Square Enix has revealed its line-up for Gamescom 2019, ahead of the upcoming event in Cologne, Germany.

It’s headlined by what will be the world-first Marvel’s Avengers hands-on demo, featuring playable Captain America, Iron Man, the Hulk, Black Widow and Thor.

Square Enix president Yosuke Matsuda has said the company has taken inspiration from – and hopes to better – the success achieved by Insomniac’s Spider-Man with its upcoming Marvel’s Avengers.

Gamescom attendees will also get the chance to play Final Fantasy VII Remake for the first time in Europe ahead of the game’s PlayStation 4 exclusive release on March 3, 2020.

The Trials of Mana remake will make its global debut at Gamescom with a new playable demo, while there’ll be a Final Fantasy XIV Online booth offering challenges, prizes and a programme of developer stage shows, ahead of a fan gathering on Friday August 23.

Nintendo, Microsoft and Sega detailed their plans for Gamescom in recent weeks, while EA will reveal its new Need for Speed game “heading into Gamescom”.

Google will also host a new Stadia Connect livestream on Monday August 19 at 10am PDT / 6pm UK, which promises to be “all about the games”.

It will be followed by Gamescom: Opening Night Live , a livestreamed event produced by Geoff Keighley, which kicks off at 11am PDT / 7pm UK.

15 game publishers will premiere new content and make announcements during Opening Night Live, including a fresh look at Death Stranding provided by Hideo Kojima, plus the announcement of a new THQ game.